TALBOT8349

Moray Place
Wednesday March 27^th

My dear Henry

I have only today received M^r Grieve’s answer to your offer for Millburn Tower.¹ We have gained our point of taking it for one year only, in the first place – although the wording is rather different from in M^r Grieve’s note from that of the Telegram you sent. – I suppose it makes no real difference on our side, if you allow them to state it so. – I wish to keep Mr Grieve’s note for future reference – I will therefore copy literally what he says – (see the other ½ of this sheet) – What is the next step? – Will you, or will they prepare write the form of agreement properly worded? – Do you care to examine again the paper which was sent you before? – There is another alteration to be made in it, besides the 3 year’s [sic] clause – namely the quarterly payment of the Gardener’s wages – he now petitions to be paid monthly, to which there is surely no objection – Is the business to remain at this stage till you come to Edinburgh? – We are sure of the house now – having M^r Grieve’s promise in writing – but the affair cannot be concluded without the “regular Lease on stamp to be executed at joint expense of parties.” –

I have duly received the Bank’s receipt for the £200 which you announced as having sent me. – I think I omitted to say so before – Thanks for the Book – rec^d Monday.

Your affectionate
Constance –

The Packet of Seeds arrived this morning.

[copy of letter in C. Talbot’s hand]

Melville Crescent –
27 March 1861 –

Dear Madam

I am happy to acquaint you that I am at liberty now to let Millburn Tower to M^r Talbot for three years, but with option to the Tenant to leave at Whitsunday 1862, provided he give notice of his intention by 1^st Feb. 1862 – The terms will be as in the paper you have seen & of which I now again send you a copy – what you suggest with regard to the stove and sink, shall be done (if possible) and any other arrangement for your comfort which would not exceed a moderate expense, would not be objected to.

I remain dear Madam faithfully yours
(signed) A. Grieve.